Off Beat: Yuba County Jail – what a nightmare

There are nightmares, and then there are really bad nightmares.

According to a Bay Area newspaper, a really bad nightmare involves the Yuba County Jail.

The San Mateo County Times, in a story last month, reported on the travails of Jesus Ruiz Diego, an illegal immigrant who was scooped up by US authorities.

But Diego's story had a Christmas twist, as related by the Times thusly: "When Jesus Ruiz Diego, 26, woke up in San Jose on Wednesday morning he thought for a second that he had just dreamed about getting out of jail. But when he saw it was his aunt who had awaked him, not a guard, he knew he wouldn't have to face the horrible reality of a Christmas spent awaiting deportation in the Yuba County Jail."

Yes, it's a "horrible reality" to be in the Yuba County Jail, especially on Christmas.

Maybe the next time, Sheriff Steve Durfor can dress up as Santa Claus to visit with his guests and make them feel all better.

The Times noted that Diego grew up in San Jose, so, obviously, being in Yuba County must have been quite a shock to his system.

Meanwhile, down at the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, they were talking about Marysville during the November meeting.

The Marysville Ring Levee project is about 95 percent complete.

Jay Punia, the board's executive director, told the board of a recent meeting board staff had in Marysville.

"I was sharing with the staff that this whole area is surrounded by the levee. And there's a picture of 1955 floods. "I think that picture is worth seeing the water everywhere and that Marysville is protected by the levees. So it's ... that we need to continue to work on those levees to protect the City of Marysville. I'm glad to see that this project is moving forward to completion."

The good people of Marysville are probably happy to hear that.

So long, Wally

And, finally, now that he's gone, it's time to start missing Wally Herger.

He's not your man in Congress any more. You're probably missing him, too. He went out with a bang, voting for the bill that staved off the "fiscal cliff," at least for two months.

Wally decided not to be on the lunatic fringe of the Republican Party, although it probably would have been easy for him.

So, hats off to you, Wally.

Your last vote may have been one of your most important.